Naturopathy is a distinct form of primary health care that combines modern scientific knowledge with traditional and natural forms of medicine. The philosophy of Naturopathic Medicine views the individual’s total lifestyle as a key factor in increasing overall health and well-being. Based on prevention and the root cause of illness, Naturopathy also addresses emotional aspects so healing can occur at a deeper level and boost the body’s natural ability to heal itself.
Naturopathic Medicine uses the least invasive, most physiologically supportive methods possible, carefully chosen after a personalized analysis of your health needs. The ultimate goal of Naturopathic Medicine is prevention. This is accomplished through education and the promotion of lifestyle habits that create good health. A doctor will assess risk factors and hereditary susceptibility then design appropriate interventions to avoid further harm or disease.
Similar to their medical counterparts, Naturopathic Doctors are trained in the clinical and laboratory diagnosis of disease. The biggest difference is that Naturopathic Doctors are trained in natural medicine, preventative care, and the integration of modern scientific knowledge with traditional healing wisdom. Naturopathic Doctors are trained to identify and treat the underlying causes of disease rather than focus on the symptoms. The patient is viewed as a whole person so that physical, mental, emotional and spiritual factors are considered when diagnosing and developing a treatment plan.
Naturopaths encourage collaboration with conventional medical doctors as each has something complementary to offer. Naturopathic Doctors are trained to refer patients to other health care practitioners, where appropriate, and most frequently cross-refer. Health is a complex issue and therefore warrants multiple approaches in some situations.
Naturopathic treatments are based on traditional natural approaches using modern scientific knowledge. The most common include:
Nutrition Good nutrition provides the body with vital building blocks. Personalized diets, vitamin and mineral supplements, and enzymatic therapies may be used to promote health, address deficiencies and treat disease processes. Education about healthy food choices is also emphasized.
Botanical Medicine The use of plant based medicines and compounds may be beneficial for certain conditions. A Naturopathic Doctor is trained to identify the interactions between herbs, medications and supplements.
Asian Medicine/Acupuncture Traditional medicinal formulas and cupping therapies are used to restore balance in the body.
Homeopathy A form of natural medicine that originated in Europe, Homeopathy is based on the energetic properties of naturally-derived substances that help the body expel disease and attain balance. Homeopathic products do not interact with medications, herbs or supplements.
Lifestyle Counselling Lifestyle is relevant to many health problems. A Naturopathic Doctor will help you identify risk factors and make recommendations to help you optimize your physical, mental and emotional well-being, as well as provide knowledge to empower you to improve your overall health and prevent illness.
Physical Medicine A variety of hands-on techniques may be recommended for spine, joint and soft tissue symptoms. These include the therapeutic application of heat, cold, sound, and light. Electrotherapy, ultrasound, hydrotherapy, therapeutic exercise and Naturopathic manipulative therapy are also proven approaches to healing and pain management.
The above information is only meant as a brief introduction to Naturopathic Medicine. If you would like additional information, please do not hesitate to ask Dr. Amauri.
YOU CAN ALSO FIND ADDITIONAL INFORMATION FROM THE FOLLOWING SITES:
• College of Naturopaths
• Canadian Association of Naturopathic Doctors
• Ontario Association of Naturopathic Doctors
NATUROPATHIC MEDICINE
Naturopathic ideology approaches each individual as a vital whole with an emphasis on overall health and disease prevention.
This holistic approach uses many different treatment modalities and practitioners may recommend the incorporation of conventional medicine, when indicated.
The roots of Naturopathy stretch back to the Nature Cure Movement of Europe and its modern practice is professionally governed in Ontario by The Coalition for Naturopathic Medicine: an alliance of College of Naturopaths – Canadian Association of Naturopathic Doctors; Ontario Association of Naturopathic Doctors; and the Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine.
With a focus on the philosophy of natural self-healing, rather than specific methods, Naturopathic practitioners employ a multi-treatment approach with a concentration on the following:
• Diet & Nutrition
• Acupuncture/ Chinese Medicine
• Herbal Medicine
• Physical Medicine
• Homeopathy
• Lifestyle Counselling and Prevention
At this time, naturopathic services are not covered by OHIP. You maybe covered under an enhanced health insurance plan provided by your employer.
Intravenous (IV) nutritional therapy provides custom hydration and replenishes nutrients in the body. This treatment is in the form of a compounded IV bag; it is directly inserted into your veins and circulatory system. What this means is that the nutritional compound does not need to be filtered through your digestive system, liver and kidneys. It is administered into your bloodstream instantly. When combined with a wellness program, IV therapy may contribute to hydration, detoxification, relieving fatigue and pain, and more. To learn what we offer in IV therapy drips, click here.
Nutritional IV therapy may be appropriate for these people:
- Those with compromised digestive systems;
- Those with an aversion to oral supplements;
- Those seeking to restore hydration and strengthen the immune system;
- Those seeking to detoxify the liver and kidneys;
- Those hoping to increase energy levels;
- Those who require relief from lethargy, inflammation, pain, sports injuries.
- Those seeking adjunctive support in their health care.
Individuals who need high nutrient doses may opt for IV drip therapy. Studies have shown that we require specific concentrations of nutrients in the blood or tissues for nutrients to work on a pharmacological level. Vitamin C is one example; as per studies, we need high vitamin C concentrations within our intracellular fluids in order to reap nutritional benefits. These high doses of vitamin C cannot be attained through oral supplements because only a fraction of the actual nutrient is absorbed into the bloodstream. IV therapy, though, provides nutrients into your bloodstream, allowing you to attain pharmacologically effective nutrients for your body.
Oral supplements must be swallowed and passed through the digestive system and liver. With IV therapy, you are having nutrients inserted into the circulatory system, and you do not have to wait for the nutrients to be filtered through the body.
You must become a patient of Toronto Functional Medicine Centre first. In order to become a patient, you must have a co-joint consultation with our naturopathic doctor, Dr. Amauri Caversan, ND, and our IV Therapy providers nurse practitioner and/or medical doctor. It is also necessary to undergo blood testing prior to your first IV drip. Blood tests will help Dr. Amauri Caversan, ND, to determine if there are any contraindications to IV therapy and which nutrients may be added to your custom compounded IV therapy. (Note: some IV therapy drips may not be suitable if you are diagnosed with heart disease, high blood pressure or kidney disease.)
Our health care team will request for these blood tests to be conducted prior to your IV treatments: CBC (Complete Blood Count) and differential; kidney function panel; lipid panel; liver function panel. If you plan on receiving a high-dose vitamin C drip, it is mandatory to undergo a G6PD (glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase) test. (Take note: Individuals diagnosed with G6PD deficiencies are not able to have a high dose IV vitamin C that is above 15 grams.)
This really depends on the type of IV drip formulation being administered. Most IV treatments may range from 60 to 90 minutes. Patients who are being administered NAD+ or high-dose vitamin C drips should expect their appointments to range from 2 to 8 hours.
To encourage your appointment to run smoothly, we kindly request that you hydrate as much as possible, eat a snack, and move around for some physical activity before your appointment. Park your car a few blocks from our clinic. Take a brisk walk from your car to the clinic to help increase your blood flow and engorge your veins prior to your appointment.
Think of it this way: when you’re already low on fluids, your veins will appear smaller. Your veins need to be visible (the more obvious, the better) for your IV therapy appointment, which may contribute to the efficiency of your visit.
If you have an empty stomach before your appointment, you may experience some dizziness. Your IV drip may contain vitamins and minerals that contribute to lowering blood sugar and blood pressure levels, so that’s why we recommend eating a snack beforehand.
When you intensify your movement, your muscles need a higher delivery of nutrients and blood. With that, the higher flow of blood to supply this demand will cause your blood vessels to dilate. For administering IV therapy, it helps if your blood vessels are dilated, which promotes an efficient appointment. As we’ve previously mentioned, take a swift walk a few blocks away from our clinic to get moving.
Yes, you should continue taking them. All of your current medications will be discussed during your in-person consultation with our naturopathic doctor, and our IV Therapy providers nurse practitioner and/or medical doctor. This initial appointment is mandatory as it ascertains that there are no negative interactions between your current medication and IV therapy.
If possible though, we highly recommend refraining from antihistamines and decongestants before each of your IV drip appointments; these medications may constrict your blood vessels, making it difficult to find a vein for your IV therapy treatment. But if you need to take antihistamines and decongestants beforehand, make sure you let our Naturopathic Doctor know about it.
When you’re seated for your appointment, try this mini deep-breathing relaxation exercise:
Put your hand (palm down) underneath your navel. It is here that you can feel your belly rise and lower as you breathe. Slowly take a breath in and hold still for three counts. Breathe out and hold still for three counts. For 60 seconds, keep breathing in deeply. Pause for three counts after you inhale and exhale every time.
Or try this: take gentle deep breaths and say this to yourself when you inhale: “I am.” Then when you exhale, say to yourself, “at peace.” Do this a couple more times to help you relax.
If you have any questions, feel free to ask us or call us at (416) 968-6961.
